Olympic Silver Medalist Ian Millar will defend his title in the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix at the 2011 National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON. Photo by Yavuz

July 19, 2011 – Ottawa, ON – International show jumping returns to Ottawa for the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, taking place from August 10-14 and 17-21, 2011, at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the Moodie Drive exit of the 417 Queensway.
 
The first week of competition, running August 10-14, is highlighted by Sunday’s $25,000 Hayes Co. Grand Prix.  Other featured events include the $10,000 Open Welcome, the $10,000 Peel Maryborough Mutual Insurance Company/Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers Ltd. Modified Grand Prix on Saturday, August 13, and the $5,000 Broccoli Hill Hunter Derby.  In addition, the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament will host Jump Canada Emerging Riders and Jump Canada Young Horse Series competitions.  FEI course designer Catsy Cruz of Mexico returns to set the tracks throughout the week in the grand prix ring, widely considered to be one of the best grass jumping fields in North America.
 
The second week, August 17-21, will see two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela taking over course design duties.  In addition to Sunday’s $75,000 CSI** Brookstreet Grand Prix, highlights include the $10,000 Open Welcome Jump Canada Cup, the $10,000 ATCO Jumping Derby, and the Jump Canada Medal.  Another qualifier for the Jump Canada Young Horse Series will also be held.
 
The second week of competition at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament has been awarded CSI** status by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), meaning that competitors will earn valuable points towards the Rolex World Rider Rankings.
 
Numerous Olympians will be in attendance at this year’s National Capital Show Jumping Tournament including local area resident Ian Millar of Perth, ON, a member of Canada’s Silver Medal Team at the 2008 Olympic Games and Honorary Chair of the Tournament.
 
The National Capital Show Jumping Tournament is produced by the Hayes family.  This year, the Hayes family is celebrating its 25th anniversary as show jumping competition organizers.  Co-Chairs are two-time Canadian Olympian Jay Hayes and his wife, Shawn, while their daughter, Event Coordinator Ainsley Hayes, organizes and manages the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament for the family-run Hayes Co.  A special 25th birthday party will be part of this year’s exhibitor party.
 
“We are excited to be back for a fourth year at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, which has one of the best grass rings in North America,” said Ainsley Hayes.  “We are elated to be celebrating our 25th year of hosting and organizing horse shows.  We thank everyone who has supported us over the years; our exhibitors have helped us to shape our events into what they are today.”
 
For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, including the prize list, please visit www.hayesco.ca, e-mail info@hayesco.ca or call Ainsley Hayes at cell (416) 846-8419.